50 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Deep Brain Reorienting for PTSD

OW
Overseen ByOlga Winkler (Psychiatrist and Associate Clinical Professor), MD, FRCPC
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Alberta
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines whether Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) can reduce PTSD symptoms in military veterans. Researchers aim to determine if DBR is more effective than standard treatments and if its benefits persist for three months. Participants will attend eight DBR sessions and provide feedback on their symptoms and experiences. Veterans with a PTSD diagnosis, who have been stable on psychiatric medications for at least four weeks, and are willing to pause other trauma-focused therapies, might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study allows veterans to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance PTSD treatment options.

What prior data suggests that Deep Brain Reorienting is safe for treating PTSD in military veterans?

Research has shown that Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a safe and gentle method for treating trauma. In earlier studies, people with PTSD who underwent eight DBR sessions experienced a significant reduction in symptoms. DBR helps individuals process trauma without overwhelming them or forcing them to relive painful memories, making the treatment generally well-received by participants. No major negative effects have been reported, making DBR a promising option for those considering participation in clinical trials.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is unique because it focuses on directly altering brain activity patterns associated with PTSD rather than just managing symptoms. Unlike standard treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medications such as SSRIs, which primarily aim to alleviate symptoms, DBR targets the neural pathways involved in traumatic memories. This innovative approach could offer more profound and lasting relief for individuals with PTSD, which is why researchers are excited about its potential.

What evidence suggests that Deep Brain Reorienting is effective for PTSD?

Research has shown that Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) can greatly reduce PTSD symptoms. In this trial, researchers will randomize military veterans into different groups. One group will receive eight weekly sessions of DBR. In one study, after eight DBR sessions, about 48% of participants no longer had PTSD immediately after treatment, with this number increasing to 52% three months later. Another study found that DBR significantly reduced PTSD symptoms. These findings suggest that DBR could be a promising treatment for PTSD.678910

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for military members and veterans who have been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Inclusion Criteria

Stream 1: Current or former military member / Veteran
Stream 3: Clinicians Receiving the DBR Training and Clinical Consultation: Mental Health Clinicians licensed to provide psychotherapy interventions in Canada
Stream 3: Fluent in English
See 13 more

Exclusion Criteria

Stream 1: High-risk clinical state requiring acute intervention (e.g., suicidal or homicidal intent, substance withdrawal)
Stream 1: History of moderate to severe head or brain injury leading to impaired functioning
Stream 1: Significant untreated medical illness
See 13 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive eight weekly sessions of Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), each lasting about 50 minutes

8 weeks
8 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments at 3 months

3 months
1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Deep Brain Reorienting

Trial Overview

The study compares Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) therapy—eight weekly sessions—to usual PTSD treatment. Researchers want to see if DBR reduces PTSD symptoms more than standard care, and if improvements last three months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Stream 1: Military Veterans - DBR GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Stream 1: Military Veterans - Waitlist/Treatment as UsualActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alberta

Lead Sponsor

Trials
957
Recruited
437,000+

Western University

Collaborator

Trials
31
Recruited
129,000+

University of Ottawa

Collaborator

Trials
231
Recruited
267,000+

Citations

1.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37581275/

A randomized controlled trial of Deep Brain Reorienting

Eight internet-based DBR sessions resulted in significant decreases in PTSD symptoms post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up in comparison to a waitlist group.

A randomized controlled trial of Deep Brain Reorienting

Eight internet-based DBR sessions resulted in significant decreases in PTSD symptoms post-treatment and at 3-month follow-up in comparison to a ...

DBR therapy shows strong effect size in PTSD treatment

The results show a strong effect size. A randomized controlled trial of Deep Brain Reorienting: a neuroscientifically guided treatment for post-.

DBR History

There were no interweaves used in the DBR study in London, Ontario, so we have no research evidence of their effectiveness even if we have seen their powerful ...

Deep Brain Reorienting for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

One study found that after eight sessions, 48% of patients no longer had PTSD, and this increased to 52% three months later. These results suggest that DBR

nicabm

You'll learn how DBR works with the orienting response in the brainstem to help clients process preverbal trauma safely and without overwhelm. ...

Deep Brain Reorienting™ - Julie Forsey

The study looked at people diagnosed with PTSD who received 8 sessions of DBR. By the end of the study their symptoms were significantly reduced, and nearly ...

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) - Dr. Erin Falconer

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a new trauma therapy for healing shock related to trauma and interpersonal attachment disruption.

What is Deep Brain Reorienting?

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a transformative, trauma-focused therapy that works with the brain and body to heal the effects of shock, ...

Level 1: Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) Introduction

This two-day training offers participants an opportunity to understand the key role of midbrain systems in traumatic experiences which have clinical ...